6 Flu Deaths In PA, Activity 'Widespread' Across State

PENNSYLVANIA — Flu activity is already considered widespread across Pennsylvania, and six deaths connected to the illness have been confirmed so far this season, state officials said this week.

In the last week, flu activity has increased across Pennsylvania, with more than 4,400 cases confirmed between Sept. 29 and Saturday. The county with the highest number of people with the flu is Allegheny, where more than 1,220 cases have been confirmed.

In the Philadelphia area, more than 110 cases have been confirmed in Bucks County, 56 in Chester County, more than 100 in Delaware County, more than 200 in Montgomery County and nearly 140 in Philadelphia.

Of the six flu victims, five were over 65 years old, and one was between 50 and 64. No pediatric deaths have occurred so far this season, state data indicates.

As a result of the early widespread activity, officials are reiterating their pleas for people to get a flu shot.

“The flu is serious and can be deadly, which is why it is so important for everyone to take the proper precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones and anyone they meet,” Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine said in a statement this week.

“In the last few weeks, we have seen flu cases increase in all state regions," Levine said. "Especially with the upcoming holidays, where many people will be gathering together, I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to get your flu vaccine so can be protected throughout the flu season."

Flu vaccines are available at a doctor's offices, pharmacies, local walk-in clinics and even grocery stores. This year, the flu nasal spray is also available.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine takes about two weeks to take effect. The agency generally recommends that people get vaccinated before viruses start circulating but says it’s still beneficial to get vaccinated later in the season.

The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months or older, federal health guidelines say.

People with certain health conditions and weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of getting the flu, according to the CDC. Adults who are 65 or older, children younger than 2 and pregnant women and women who gave birth up to two weeks ago are at high risk for the flu.

For children, the vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of death, the agency says. (See the CDC’s full guidelines on the flu vaccine.)

Frequent hand-washing and disinfecting commonly touched objects also help prevent the spread of the disease.

Dr. David Cennimo, an infectious-disease expert at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, told Patch that the current flu season is a bit more intense than it has been in past years. Good hand hygiene is key, he noted. “I would wash my hands a lot.”

If you're traveling over the holidays, try to avoid being sneezed or coughed on, and be aware of what you're touching, Cennimo said. He added that most infections are spread more often by touching than they are by coughing or sneezing.

Cennimo said taking steps such as occupying an empty airplane seat toward the back or avoiding crowded areas at the airport such as the bar can help. In addition, Cennimo said the holidays are a good time to encourage friends and family to get vaccinated.

“Because them being vaccinated, being around you, also protects you,” he said. “So try to develop your herd protection.”